Daniel Apuan, a senior majoring in Mechanical Engineering, has been awarded the 2018 University Volunteer of the Year Award.

Apuan, who is originally from Palmdale, Calif., has been a dedicated volunteer throughout his career at Fresno State, completing over 150 hours since fall 2017 alone.

Since his freshman year, Apuan has served with a variety of organizations addressing many community issues. His volunteerism has benefited such groups as Valley Children’s Hospital, Sierra Foothill Conservancy, Central California Blood Center, Food Recovery Network, Bulldog Pantry, Fresno Metro Ministry, Off the Front, and St. Paul Catholic Newman Center. Apuan took his service global during the winter of 2017 when he traveled to the small village of Naboutini, Fiji where he engaged in international service-learning and helped to improve the overall health of the community by building toilets and laying water lines. This variety of service shows how over the years, Apuan has made it a goal to give back to the community that has taken him in and supported him as a student.

Additionally, Apuan has provided service to his peers through the Richter Center Service-Learning Coaches program.

In her letter nominating Apuan, Mellissa Jessen-Hiser, Richter Center Assistant Director said, “Daniel has made volunteerism and service a major component to his educational experience at Fresno State. He has sought to find meaning in his service experiences and he critically thinks about the impact he has made and the impact that has been made on him.”

Daniel Apuan will be recognized at the annual Spirit of Service awards hosted by President and Mrs. Castro on Wednesday, May 2, at 8:30 a.m. in the Satellite Student Union.

The University Volunteer of the Year award is administered by the Jan & Bud Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service-Learning.